Ketone bodies and inflammation modulation: A mini-review on ketogenic diet's potential mechanisms in mood disorders

Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety inflict significant burdens on individuals and society. Commonly prescribed treatments often involve cognitive therapy and medications. However, for patients resistant to these conventional methods, alternative therapies like the Ketogenic Diet (KD) offer a promising avenue. KD and its key metabolite,beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), have been hypothesized to alleviate mental disorders through antiinflammatory actions, a crucial pathway in the pathophysiology of depression. This mini-review examines 15 clinical trials exploring the influence of KD and BHB on inflammation and their potential roles in managing mental disorders. Both human and animal studies were scrutinized to elucidate possible cellular and molecular mechanisms. Out of the 15 trials, 10 reported reduced levels of at least one inflammatory mediator or mRNA post KD or BHB treatment, while two observed an elevation in anti-inflammatory agents. These findings suggest that KD and BHB could modulate cellular inflammatory pathways, highlighting their potential for therapeutic application in mental disorders.